The impact smoking has on teeth

Your teeth are a functional and important part of your body that requires attention and care. Failure to take care of your white pearls can lead to tooth decay, tartar, sore gums, or worse, mouth odour.

One of the impacts smoking has on the teeth is gum disease. People who smoke are four times more likely to develop periodontal diseases than non-smokers. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay and loss. Smoking can also cause the tongue to have an ugly color which is commonly called the black hairy tongue.

Are you considering whether to stop smoking? Do you know what damage your smoking habit does to your teeth? Keep reading to figure out the impact smoking has on the teeth and the steps to good oral health as a smoker.

Impacts of smoking on the teeth

Smoking is not only bad for your health, but it is also almost damaging to your teeth. One of the best decisions you can make for your teeth is quitting smoking. Your teeth are going to pay dearly if you are a smoker.

If you are still considering whether to quit, here are some of the impact smoking has on your oral health.

• Bad breath: This is an obvious consequence smoking has on your teeth. Smoking causes a gradual build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth which will lead to a bad odor. They are also prone to have a dry mouth; which increases the chances of decay and odor.
• Teeth and tongue discoloration: It is near impossible to have sparkling white teeth as a smoker. This is because your enamel had seeped enough nicotine into it and changed color overtime. This is terrible as it is a permanent fixture that won’t go away no matter how much your brush. Your tongue is also affected by discoloration as you smoke.
• Dulls sense of smell and taste: One serious impact smoking will have on your teeth is to dull your sense of smell and taste. You will find it hard to enjoy your meal or drinks as there is an ashy bland taste associated with tasting.
• Gum disease and tooth loss: Smoking increases your chances of having gum disease. Gum disease is swelling or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. It can either be gingivitis or periodontal disease. According to the center for disease control, You are twice as likely to experience gum disease if you smoke. When you smoke, your gums are further exacerbated and your tooth may fall off.
• Increased risk of leukoplakia: Leukoplakia is the presence of white patches inside the mouth which cannot be scrapped off. It can be cancerous or non-cancerous in most cases.
• Slow healing after tooth extraction or other dental surgery: Smoking limits the flow of oxygen in your bloodstream and this affects the healing process. Smokers usually go through slow healing after a surgical procedure. This will increase the chances of an infection or bacteria contamination.
• Oral cancer: aside from lung cancer, smoking also causes oral cancer. Oral cancer appears like a sore or swelling that never goes away. It can be on the palate of the mouth, lips, or surface of the tongue. The good news is there’s a good chance of treating mouth cancer.

How to take care of your teeth if you smoke

If you are a smoker, here are some tips to help you take care of your teeth.

• Keep to all of your dental appointment: You should never miss a dental appointment if you smoke. Your dentist will help check your teeth for decay, tartar, or oral cancer. You can also receive recommendations on food to avoid and recommendations on toothpaste for you. If you are in Melbourne, Clover Dental is your best bet.
• Brush the right way: You need to invest in a quality toothbrush that will make brushing your teeth easier. Smoking makes you prone to gum diseases and brushing regularly can help you remove dirt, plaque, and residue food particles on your teeth. Use the brushing right technique or ask your dentist for help.
• Avoid tooth-harming food: Smoking is already doing a lot of damage to your oral health, so you should be careful not to exacerbate the case by eating food that damages the teeth. Avoid red wine, coffee, and bread as they cause a build-up of sugar in your teeth.
• Pick the right toothpaste: Always pick a toothpaste with high fluoride content. There are different brands of toothpaste for smokers. Also, invest in good mouthwash to keep your mouth smelling good and healthy.
• Do periodic self-examination: Take proper care of your mouth; your teeth are precious. Check your teeth in the mirror, and look out for sores, swelling, or bleeding in your mouth. If you notice any abnormal growth, taste, or smell, visit your dentist immediately.
• Clean your tongue: While brushing, don’t forget to clean out your tongue. The tongue is a fertile area for bacteria and if you don’t clean it properly, it can lead to mouth odour or dull taste. Make sure to brush twice a day and clean your tongue while at it.
• Quit smoking, if you can: This is going to do you a lot of good and improve the quality of your teeth. If you are unsure of how to go about this, you can talk to your dentist for pro recommendations.

Steps to quitting smoking

If you are ready to give up smoking for the sake of your oral and overall health, here are tips to consider:

• Surround yourself with support systems. It can be a family member, spouse, or friend.
• Be willing to fail and try again.
• Don’t be too hard on yourself. You are fallible.
• Seek activities to distract you when you itch for a smoke.
• Be determined to stop and put your heart to it.
• Find a substitute for your addiction.
• Go for a Nicotine replacement therapy.
• Avoid staying around your triggers. Anything that will motivate you to smoke. E.g. friends who smoke.
• Reward your persistence. Whether it is a day, a week, or a month, regard it as an achievement.

Wrapping up

There is no excuse for neglecting your oral health, especially if you are a smoker. Smoking does a lot of harmful things to your teeth. You can either have the common smoker teeth or suffer bacteria in your teeth. You should commit to oral health and visit a Brunswick dentist regularly to check your teeth. If you are within Melbourne, Clover Dental have you covered.

We offer a comprehensive range of services, whether you are looking for cosmetic dentistry or preventive and restorative dentistry. We take care of people of all ages and we are committed to giving you the best teeth and gum care. When you visit, we guarantee an experience as relaxing and comfortable as possible.

With our state-of-the-art facilities, we endeavour to provide the best oral care for you and your family. We service Melbourne especially Brunswick and surrounding suburbs which include but are not limited to Coburg, Parkville, Brunswick West, Brunswick East, and Carlton North. Visit us today at Clover Dental – Brunswick, Shop 4, 1 Lygon Street, Brunswick VIC 3056. If you have a question, you can shoot us a mail at info@cloverdental.com.au or call 03 9380 1107.